The Impact of Credit Card Debt on Your Finances
Credit card debt is a reality for millions of Americans, with the average household carrying thousands of dollars in revolving balances. While credit cards offer convenience and valuable benefits when used responsibly, accumulating substantial debt can have far-reaching consequences on your overall financial health. This post explores the multifaceted impact of credit card debt and provides insights on how to mitigate its negative effects. The True Cost of Carrying Credit Card Debt Compound Interest Works Against You Credit cards typically charge compound interest, meaning you pay interest on both the principal amount and any previously accumulated interest. This creates a snowball effect that can make even modest balances grow surprisingly quickly. For example, a $5,000 balance on a card with 18% APR would take over 11 years to pay off making only minimum payments, costing approximately $4,300 in interest—nearly doubling the original amount borrowed. Minimum Payments Keep You in ...
